Jacqueline “Jackie” Stella, PCT, is TidalHealth Peninsula Regional’s Sunshine Awardee for December 2025.
TidalHealth Peninsula Regional is pleased to announce that Jacqueline “Jackie” Stella, patient care technician in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), has been selected as its Sunshine Award recipient for December 2025.
Stella was nominated by her supervisor, Jessica Cropper, for her compassion, patience and professionalism:
“I am truly honored to have Jackie not only as a coworker but also as a friend. She is someone who embodies the true spirit of compassion and kindness. In every interaction, she brings warmth, patience, and genuine care — not because it’s expected, but because it’s simply who she is. Witnessing her interactions with every patient brings a smile to my face, knowing how much care and respect she shows for every individual.
Tonight, I had the privilege of witnessing just one of the many acts of compassion that make Jackie the phenomenal person she is. While sitting at the station, a young team member walked through from the stock room, holding linen in her hands. She was walking slowly and limping, clearly in pain. Concerned, I asked her if she was okay, and she softly replied that she was fine. However, her body language and facial expression told a different story.
At that moment, Jackie stepped in. She followed the coworker to the empty room where she was working and quietly had a conversation with her. I went to the room shortly after and asked if the team member needed to be seen in the Emergency Department, as I was concerned about her health. However, the team member explained that she had overheard a conversation at the station about one of the nurses recently experiencing a medical concern, something she could relate to, as she had gone through something similar herself just a few days prior. She shared that she was still in a lot of pain, both physically and emotionally.
When I entered the room, I found Jackie and the team member sharing tears and a heartfelt conversation. Jackie was consoling her, offering not just emotional support but also understanding. The team member felt she couldn’t miss work due to financial concerns, and Jackie stepped up. She encouraged her to take a break while Jackie offered to help finish her work. For the next 20-30 minutes, Jackie assisted with the task at hand. This wasn’t part of Jackie’s job description. She didn’t have to step in, but she did — because that’s the kind of person she is.
In that moment, Jackie gave this young woman more than just a helping hand — she gave her the comfort of knowing that she wasn’t alone. Jackie also reminded her of something that resonates deeply with me: we are a work family. When one of us is hurting emotionally, we all hurt together. Jackie took the time to provide resources from TidalHealth’s programs on mental health and employee hardship, offering to help the team member navigate the process of reaching out for these services. She didn’t just stop there; she hugged the team member and allowed her the time and space to be heard.
The team member even said, ‘I haven’t been able to process what’s happened or cry until now.’ In that moment, Jackie truly gave her the gift of friendship and compassion.
Jackie’s actions went beyond the ordinary, showing us all what it means to care for others deeply and selflessly. For these reasons, I wholeheartedly nominate Jackie for the Sunshine Award. Thank you, Jackie, for offering sunshine in a time of darkness to your coworker.”
Stella was honored in a ceremony before her coworkers and presented with fresh flowers, a pin and a certificate recognizing her exceptional devotion to team and patient care.
To nominate a TidalHealth certified nursing assistant (CNA), clinical support technician (CST), patient care technician (PCT) or patient care assistant for this award, visit tidalhealth.org/recognition.
